Winter, fast entries and zero grip…all the ingredients for an epic final.
With the Demon Energy D1NZ grand final finally dawning upon a saturated and over cast track, the crowds drew in and relished in the semi covered grand stand while the VIP section featured a enclosed viewing point to which you could stay dry and still have a great view. While rain may cause difficulties for some sports drifting does not suffer the same restraints, with a wet track, the drivers had to muster all the concentration they could to navigate a 190km/hr initiation zone with precision.
While the rain was on most peoples minds including the poor drenched media stationed around the clipping points, everyone accepted that the rain meant the points table would change pending one mistake which would easily be made with a lack of focus. Championship points were on the table and that title of being New Zealand’s next drift king looming, it was time to head out on to the track with the Pro Sport class doing battle even though the winner and overall DK for Pro Sport had been named.
Eyes were on Chad McKenzie to put on a great show with him knowing that he was already the drift king for this season. Mentioned in the previous update was Kieran Stuart and the little amazing MX5 and with the rain throwing a few people off, the large crowd that was in attendance were more than happy to hear that he had placed 4th seeing as he is well under powered compared to the other competitors. Gagan Khan was on top form in the rain, with the battle between Chad and Gagan set and the track wet, the spectators were in for a treat. Gagan pushed harder in the rain and be it that Chad knew he had already won or not Mr Khan took the podium in 1st for the day. Pro Sport finalists for the season saw Chad McKenzie coming in first, Calvin Clark second and wrapping it up was Vincent Hopkins.
Now that the Pro Sport class had finished it was time for the main event, and with a increasingly wet track, the conditions for the final battles looked treacherous for the drivers and exciting for the spectators. Watching the drivers find their new lines with the track soaked was entertaining and while learning their new lines, they had other drivers to contend with as well. A few slip up’s were noted with some drivers elegantly sailing through the grass while some plowed into it, a couple of spins found drivers facing the wrong direction and a notable Mr Prosenik kissing the wall ahead of turn 2. It was also brilliant to see Daniel Woolhouse in the mix using his old battle worthy Commodore seeing as his updated version was out of commission.
Brad Smith seemed unlucky in his battle with Tom Marshall after spinning out on his lead run as Tom applied the pressure, none the less Brad and the Brad Smith racing team finished 10th overall which is a great base to start from for planning next years attack on the championship. Nico Reid was the one to watch going into the finals but with his battle against Gareth Grove going south very quickly, the fans saw a very short stint of Nico’s talents and then he was knocked out.
Daynom Templeman and Dylan Woolhouse put on a very good show and with that 2JZ screaming, it made even the rain disappear from attention. Dylan put on a much better and cleaner run than Daynom and that saw the semi finals taking a very interesting shape. Darren Kelly who had been driving perfectly all day made it to the semi finals however Gareth Grove saw him exiting leaving Grove with third. Deciding battles were on the cards and each driver knew he had to step it up a notch or two! It was exciting watching Woolhouse battle with Cole however Cole just had much more experience and so put on a much cleaner run, ensuring the entertainment didn’t stop. Eventually it stacked up with Dylan in second and Armstrong in first for the last round, and what a way to finish.
Trans Tasman rivalry was a brilliant addition to this seasons schedule, with entrants like Camo Mote, Rob Arbolino, Scott Schembrie and James Abbot to name a few, made for interesting watching with different driving styles. While the Australians were not used to the faster pace of Pukekohe they sure made their skills felt, with team Blaze Unit proving themselves very worthy battle participants and Rob show casing some immense skills. Darren Kelly and Dave Steedman ensured New Zealand was not left out of the mix. A few mishaps were recorded with Mr Davies backing into Scott as he navigated the course along with Jodie rear guard riding Mr Steedman as well.
Rob took the top spot and can proudly claim the title as being the first Trans Tasman drift king, Dave Steedman claimed second and Darren Kelly/Daniel Woolhouse jointly took third.
Final prize giving and points tally up had the drivers placed and the trophies allocated. In third we saw Cole Armstrong proudly accept his placement and trophy, second place went to a well deserving driver Nico Reid leaving first place vacant for…
Curt Whittaker, who reclaims the title of being New Zealand’s drift king. Next year is going to be huge, with drivers already show casing some brilliant talent and some of the Australian drivers settling into the New Zealand routine very well.
I cannot wait to bring you next seasons highs and lows as we search for the next drift king.
On a side note but I feel much more important, Chad McKenzie proposed on the live steam to his beautiful (now) fiance! Very sweet amidst all the testosterone….She said yes too.
Galleries for the day are broken up into two separate sections, so please take a moment to scroll through them all.